Afghanistan: Reported US covert actions 2019
The timeline below contains information on all US air attacks on Afghanistan recorded by the Bureau in 2019. It is updated with the latest US air attacks. We also log Afghan Air Force attacks when they are reported. The Bureau collects information on the US and Afghan strikes and the people they kill from local and international media reports – including the Bureau’s own field investigations – as well as academics and NGOs that cite US, Afghan and Pakistani civil, military and intelligence officials, and witnesses and local people in the affected areas.
Please note that our data changes according to our current understanding of particular strikes. The information below represents our present best estimate.
Background
US aircraft have been bombing Afghanistan since late 2001 and the airstrikes have continued into the Trump administration. Up until December 2014 the US was operating in concert with its allies in the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force. Now it is just the US, and the Afghans, flying strike missions in the country.
The Bureau began tracking the strikes from January 1 2015 onwards, when the US and Nato’s combat mission in Afghanistan came to an end. The Afghan military and police took the lead in fighting the Taliban with the US and its international partners moving into a non-combat “train, advise, assist” role, supporting local forces.
US air forces are still flying combat missions however. There are three targeting authorities that govern the kind of strikes the US can conduct in Afghanistan.
Force protection strikes are intended to protect friendly ground forces who are under attack, or are about to be attacked. From January 1 2015 the US was supposed to stop deliberately going after the Taliban, leaving that to the Afghans. But in June 2016, with the Taliban pushing the Afghan forces to breaking point, the US went on the offensive against the Taliban, under “strategic effect” strikes.
The third authority governs the US’s counter-terrorism strikes, part of its offensive operations against al Qaeda and, since January 2016, Afghanistan’s Islamic State offshoot.
Full data
The Bureau publishes a narrative timeline of US strikes in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen each year. Links for all other timelines can be found here.
We also publish spreadsheets detailing casualty numbers in each country. You can download the entire Afghanistan sheet here.
| Strikes recorded by the Bureau | |
|---|---|
| Total reported strikes | 4251 |
| Total reported killed | 58-2954 |
| Civilian reported killed | 22-249 |
| Children reported killed | 11-47 |
| Total reported injured | 35-614 |
| Total Close Air Support (CAS) sorties with at least one weapon release | 1548 |
| Total CAS sorties | 5659 |
| Total weapons released | 4483 |
Strikes Page 36
One strike hit Wardak province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Kunar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been a report of a strike in Kunar province on this day. Khaama Press reported that a coalition air strike in Darahye Pech district in Kunar province killed two Taliban fighters.
They could be referring to the Nato coalition. The US is the only known country to be flying strike missions that is part of that. But it is not clear. The sourcing is also too vague to include this in our database. It will be recorded here as a possible US strike.
The strike was reported by Khaama Press on 14 January. It had taken place at some-point in the previous 24 hours.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Darahye Pech district, Kunar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Three strikes hit Kandahar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Baghlan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
There had been a report of a strike in the province on this day. Khaama Press reported that two coalition strikes in Baghlan province left at least 11 Taliban fighters dead.
They occurred in Dahanah ye Ghori and Baghlan e Jadid districts.
Khaama Press could be referring to the Nato coalition. The US is the only known country to be flying strike missions that is part of that. But it is not clear. The sourcing is also too vague to include this in our database.
The strikes were reported on by Khaama Press on January 14. They had taken place at some-point in the previous 24 hours.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Dahanah ye Ghori and Baghlan e Jadid districts, Baghlan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Six strikes hit Badghis province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Badghis province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Logar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Logar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Faryab province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
US data confirmed that there was a strike on Balkh province on this day, in their monthly release of strike data.
There had been reports of a strike in Balkh this day. According to a military official, the Taliban chief for Balkh's Zari district was killed in a strike along with 11 other insurgents, but it was unclear whether Afghan or US forces carried out the strike.
Mohammad Hanif Rezayee, spokesperson for a corps in the Afghan army, said the chief was moving from Sholgar district to Zari district when he came under attack. Twelve motorcycles were reportedly destroyed in the attack
The chief was named as Qari Qudratullah.
- Type of strike: US drone or air strike
- Location: Sholgar district, Balkh province
- References: Pajhwok, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Eleven strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Farah province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Farah province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Khaama Press reported that a leader of Afghanistan's branch of Islamic State was killed in a coalition strike on January 10.
The leader, named as Abdul Karim, was described as the group's acting shadow governor for Kunar province.
Khaama Press could be referring to the Nato coalition. The US is the only known country to be flying strike missions that is part of that. But it is not clear. The sourcing is also too vague to include this in our database.
It is also not clear where the strike took place or if other people were killed in the strike.
Data released by the US in their monthly strike summary, showed that there were two strikes in Helmand province and two in Uruzgan province - however, it is not known whether this reported death happened in any of those strikes.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Unknown
- References: Khaama Press
A commander of Afghanistan's branch of Islamic State was reportedly killed in a coalition strike, Khaama Press reported.
The commander was identified as Khetab Emir, and "informed sources" told Khaama that he supplied explosives and provided logistical support to enable high-profile attacks in in Nangarhar province.
Khaama Press could be referring to the Nato coalition. The US is the only known country to be flying strike missions that is part of that. But it is not clear. The sourcing is also too vague to include this in our database.
It is also not clear where the strike took place or if other people were killed in the strike.
Data released by the US in their monthly strike summary, showed that there were two strikes in Helmand province and two in Uruzgan province - however, it is not known whether this reported death happened in any of those strikes.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Unknown
- References: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Paktika province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Paktika province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Balkh province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Balkh province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
US data confirmed that two strikes were conducted in Uruzgan province on this day in their monthly release of strike data.
A strike in Uruzgan on this day had been reported. Khaama Press reported multiple coalition strikes occurring in different provinces over a 24 hour period. One of which was on Uruzgan's Tarin Kot and killed two Taliban fighters. However, the sourcing was too vague to include any of them in our database of confirmed US strikes.
It is unclear what is meant by coalition strike. It could be referring to the Nato coalition, in which the US is the only country known to be flying strike missions.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
US data confirmed that three strikes were conducted in Helmand province on this day, in their monthly release of strike data.
Strikes in Helmand on this day had been reported on. Khaama Press reported multiple coalition strikes occurring in different provinces over a 24 hour period. However, the sourcing was too vague to include any of them in our database of confirmed US strikes. Two of these were in Helmand:
- A strike hit in Helmand's Musala Qala district killed three Taliban fighters
- A strike killed one Taliban fighter in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district
It is unclear what is meant by coalition strike. It could be referring to the Nato coalition, in which the US is the only country known to be flying strike missions.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Khaama Press reported multiple coalition strikes occurring in different provinces over a 24 hour period. One of which was on near the district centre of Deh Yak in Ghanzni province and destroyed a vehicle-borne IED. However, the sourcing was too vague to include any of them in our database of confirmed US strikes.
It is unclear what is meant by coalition strike. It could be referring to the Nato coalition, in which the US is the only country known to be flying strike missions.
US data confirmed that two strikes were conducted in Ghazni province on this day, in their monthly release of strike data.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary, Khaama Press
Three strikes hit Faryab province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Wardak province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Wardak province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Three strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Nangarhar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Nangarhar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Kunar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kunar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Seven strikes hit Kandahar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Ghazni province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Ghazni province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
The New York Times reported that five civilians were killed in US drone strikes that hit the house of a Taliban commander. Eleven Taliban fighters were also killed in the strikes on Qara Gholi and Geldi villages in Faryab's Almar district, the New York Times reported.
The information was published as part of a weekly Afghan casualty monitoring report the NYT releases. It didn't include sourcing information, but we contacted the reporter who put it together. They confirmed that that the sourcing met our methodological standards.
This confirmed the reports of civilian casualties from a local resident. Ihsan Makhdoum told Anadolu Agenecy that he lost his father and three relatives in the attack.
Afghan Army Spokesperson Mohamed Hanif Rezai said the strike hit a Taliban camp, killing 14 insurgents.
The strike occurred in Qorghan district, the NYT reported. Anadolu spelt this as Kurgan district.
US data confirmed that eight strikes hit Faryab province on this day, in their monthly release of strike data. But when we put this incident to Resolute Support, they replied in February saying: "Until your notification, there was no allegation levied. We have no information to substantiate this claim."
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Qorghan district, Faryab province
- References: Anadolu Agency, The New York Times, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Five strikes hit Kandahar province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kandahar province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Two strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Faryab province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Faryab province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Farah province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Farah province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
A Taliban shadow district chief was killed in a strike in Faryab province, according to a statement released by a division of the Afghan army and reported on by Khaama Press.
The strike occurred at around 3.30pm local time and targeted two motorcycles.
The chief was identified as Mullah Hayatullah. His security guard is believed to have also been killed. Hayatullah was described as the Taliban chief for Pashtunkot district.
It was not clear whether the strike was carried out by US or Afghan forces so it will be recorded here as a possible US strike.
The US did not record any strikes in Paktia on this day in their monthly release of strike data.
- Type of strike: Possible US strike
- Location: Zurmat district, Paktia province
- References: Khaama Press, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
US data confirmed three strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day in its monthly release of strike data.
A strike in Uruzgan on this day had been reported. Six police officers were killed or injured in US strike in Uruzgan, a security official told Pajhwok News.
The strike reportedly hit a security checkpoint at 5am local time.
There was some confusion in the reporting, with Pajhwok claiming the six had been injured but also reporting that all six had been killed.
Their source wished to remain anonymous. This means the sourcing is too vague for us to record this as a confirmed US strike as yet. We will reached out to Resolute Support for more information.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Shah Mansour locality, Tarinkot, Uruzgan province
- References: Pajhwok, US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
One strike hit Kapisa province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Kapisa province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Four strikes hit Helmand province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Helmand province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
Ten strikes hit Uruzgan province on this day, according to data from US Forces - Afghanistan.
No further details were given. To see more about the release of this data, click here.
- Type of strike: US air or drone strike
- Location: Uruzgan province
- References: US Forces - Afghanistan strike summary
